B&Q is to open a new store and has signed a pre-let agreement to take space at Castle Retail Park in Ullswater Road, Penrith. B&Q already has a Penrith outlet, in Bridge Lane, which has traded for more than 20 years. The staff there will transfer to the new branch.

A company spokeswoman said: "We are looking to upgrade our current store, to give our customers a better shopping experience in a new and bigger store on Castle Retail Park. CPUK is building a 61,000 sq ft extension to provide retail and warehousing space and 214 additional parking spaces. The scheme is due for completion in June. B&Q will occupy 35,000sq ft of the extra space with a garden centre/builders yard of 18,000sq ft."